Billy Cobham ‎– Magic (1977)

1. On A Magic Carpet Ride (5:08)
2. AC/DC (5:27)
3. Leaward Winds (3:39)
4. Puffnstuff (6:23)
5. 'Antares' - The Star (5:11)
6. Magic/Reflection In The Clouds/Magic Recapitulation (13:33)

- Billy Cobham - drums, vocals (4), hand-claps (6), producer
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- Kathleen Kaan - vocals (6)
- Pete Maunu - guitars
- Joachim Kuhn - acoustic (1,26) & electric (1,8) pianos, Mini Moog synthesizer (2)
- Mark Soskin - acoustic (1,3,4) & electric (4) pianos, Oberheim synthesizer (1,3,6,7)
- Alvin Baptiste - clarinet (2,4,5), vocals (4)
- Randy Jackson - bass
- Pete Escovedo - timbales (2,5,8), vocals (6)
- Sheila Escovedo - congas (2,5,8)
- Hojo - hand-claps (6)
- Dennis - hand-claps (6)
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Of all Billy Cobham's Columbia fusion sessions, time has been the most unkind to Magic. Despite some inspired and at times awe-inspiring performances, the album is too much a product of its era, suffering from sickly sweet production, awkward vocal contributions, and ill-fitting clarinet contributions from an out of place Alvin Batiste. Strip away the viscous layers of gloss and indulgence, and Magic begins to live up to its title. Cobham's rhythmic interplay with bassist Randy Jackson and percussionists Pete Escovedo and Sheila E. is nothing short of astounding, as fierce and funky as anything in the drummer's catalog. But the songs are tepid and the arrangements overbaked, not to mention that Pete Maunu's guitar wankery verging on the point of absurdity. All in all, too much of a good thing, yet still not enough. ---Jason Ankeny, AllMusic Review

Still a funky product, this Cobham 's album is rich in electric guitar solos and electric piano lines. Plus Latin Congos. Music is not bad at all, but as often, rhythm is more important that the music by itself in some cases. One song even has vocal.

Both together it makes the album attractive in some parts and a bit boring in others. Whenever I prefer melodies to long minutes of funk pulsation, let say this album is more good than bad.

Acoustic piano,played in very classic manner, gave one more accent to all music. Even if not concentrated on one musical idea, album doesn't sound as very unfocused one. Let say - different. For sure ,in moments you feel that luck of general idea /concept.

But musicians are generally competent, music isn't boring ,so you will listen it with pleasure. Another thing is that after listening not too much will stay in your memory. Not bad mix of jazz fusion, light funk ,Latin jazz and pop-jazz.

Better then average jazz-fusion album. ---snobb, progarchives.com

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